A known (1) and four new (2-5) lyso-PAF (platelet activating factor) deriva
tives were isolated from the sponge Spirastrella abata. Two of them are unp
recedented in having a methoxy group at C-2 '. The structures have been det
ermined by combined spectroscopic methods. Their inhibitory effect on the b
iosynthesis of cholesterol and cytotoxicity against human solid tumor cell
lines are reported.